2.13.2012

Review: "Full Metal Jousting"

So, I don't know about you, but when I catch wind of a show called "Full Metal Jousting," that premiere is an automatic watch. However, as much as I hate to say it, I'm definitely not in love with the History Channel's new show just yet. My first impression was that it was like Ironman meets football.

I have nothing against sports, and I think they are a valuable part of both our culture and growing up. However, I don't follow sports, I'm not good at sports, and if I tune in to a show that is (more or less) about a sport, I am hoping for it to be something very foreign and novel and stylized. That is the opposite of how "Full Metal Jousting" struck me, which surprised me, because - it being the History Channel - I guess I was expecting swirling mists, more medieval-looking accommodations for the horses, or at least some form of heraldry for the teams instead of block letters on the backs of the jousters as if they were jerseys. I think I even spotted a referee in black and white at some point in the joust near the end of the episode.

Now, I know when I'm being picky, and this is probably one of those occasions. I watched the teaser for next week's episode, and it looks like the competition gets a little more violent. There will definitely be more blood, spit, bloody spit, and displays of testosterone-driven chest pounding in Episode 2, so I am willing to tune in once more. That means that I will have to get over the fact that History Channel is trying to appeal to a wider audience by including rodeo cowboys and employees of Medieval Times instead of 16 medieval history buffs. (Hey - I have nothing against Medieval Times, either. I have had two birthdays there. Told you I was a geek.) I suppose it will actually be an interesting study in toughness to see which jousters come out on top. Is "toughness" innate or do you work toward a high pain tolerance and dogged endurance? Or is it a little of both?

Stay tuned and I'll keep you updated on whether or not I stay tuned into "Full Metal Jousting." :)